Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological disorder that affects about 1 in 59 people world wide. Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism then girls. There are multiple factors that can contribute to a child developing autism. Some of these include; genetics, environmental factors, and prenatal health. Although the cause of autism is still unknown, there is a lot of research being done to try and find the answer. Studies have shown that early intervention is key when it comes to helping those with autism. The earlier the diagnosis, the better off the child will be. There are multiple therapies and treatments available to help those with ASD. With the right support, people with ASD can live happy and fulfilling lives. It’s important to increase awareness on this topic so that more people can be educated on what it is and how to help those affected by it. Diagnosis rates have been steadily rising over the years and it’s only going to continue to go up. So let’s spread awareness and start making a difference.
The following are some potential causes of autism according to research studies
- Genes – mutations in certain genes may increase the risk
- Environmental factors – exposure to heavy metals or pesticides during pregnancy could affect a child’s development
- Brain structure – an overgrowth of tissue on the surface of brain called cortex can lead to symptoms associated with autism
- Maternal age – older mothers have a higher chance of having autistic children than younger mothers do
- Complications during birth- babies born prematurely or underweight at the time of birth are more likely to develop autism later in life because their brains were not fully developed when they entered the outside world.
